Success for farrier Nigel Brown AWCF
Nigel Brown AWCF – European Farrier Championships, Austria 3rd – 5th August 2012
Nigel Brown receives 3rd placed trophy from day 2 of the competition
Abergavenny Farrier, Nigel Brown, travelled to Austria last weekend as part of the four man team representing the UK to participate in the European Farrier Championships.
A total of 54 farriers from across Europe, chosen to represent their countries, took part in a terrific competition held in Stadl-Paura.
In extremely warm weather conditions the competitors took part in two days of grueling competition in a series of classes to test their forging and shoeing ability. The accrual of points in the first two days of competition qualified the ‘top 16’ for the final shoeing rounds on the third and final day.
Nigel accumulated valuable points across the first two days to secure his place in the Sunday final in 5th position; all four of the UK farriers qualified for the top 16.
The final shoeing round – to be completed in just 70 minutes – consisted of shoeing a ‘diagonal pair’ of feet, the front with a bar shoe and the hind with a three quarter fullered shoe. The heat, tight time and sheer test of forging ability meant for a particularly demanding class!
UK Farrier Team (l to r) David Varini, Nigel Brown, David Smith, Nigel Fennell
The final results revealed Nigel was placed 4th in the European Championships for 2012; all four of the UK team secured placed in the top 8. “To be part of such a great UK team is an honour and to take part in such a terrific Championships was a privilege. I am extremely pleased with the results and have gained valuable experience”.
